Hello, everyone! This is an idea I've been thinking about since I first joined this site a few months ago. This post, however, was sparked by my recent contribution of Salt Man, particularly the interest thenewgreen, elizabeth, and others showed in it.
New users to Hubski - like uh_oh right now - often find the site hard to navigate and even harder to find their way into the community. I've seen the friends at a bar metaphor thrown around several times. It's a lovely characterization of the community atmosphere here. And it's gotten me thinking about a friend system where older users make it a priority to get to know new members by following them, giving them feedback, and generally showing them around the place.
It's likely that some want to log on, enjoy their drink, and not be bothered. That's how I was at first, but I'm sure there are other lurkers who'd love to commit more time if they knew they'd be considered seriously. On the other side, there are several of you who seem to have a gift for introducing and making people at ease.
It's just an idea, but I'd like to know your opinions on it.
Hey Peter, I know that insomniasexx has been working on something that will make it easier for new users to discern the differences between Hubski and other places and will highlight some key and even obscure functions of the site. Right now, I like that a number of people (and they change all the time) will step up to the situation and help a new user understand the site. To me, it's kind of cool that as of yet, it has not required any sort of formal declaration or mechanism, it just happens. elizabeth has been really great at this of late, insomniasexx has always been great at it and lil, theadvancedapes and countless others are really good at making people feel welcome etc. The question I'm always interested in knowing the answer to is this: "How could we make it easier for you as a user to invite quality people to the site?" That said, I'm interested to know more about your "friend system" and how you see it playing out. Thanks for the post.
It is really cool. I remember when I came in with the Reddit wave almost 4 months ago, there was some confusion over what would happen to the site. You all had experienced influxes historically, but each time it was like sifting wheat and chaff, almost like natural selection. Instead, I thought we - I almost typed "you all" - might take a more constructive approach to newcomers. Not leading them through the motions in a rigid, formulated "system" but in a style that really cultivates and encourages input. People like to be heard and people like to be acknowledged for their ideas. It's important to feel important. But I think it's decisive for an "inductee" or a new member to turn from that type of thinking to really get to the heart of Hubski. The switch needs to be made from "What can I say?" to "What would someone else think of this?". That's the core of a functioning community like Hubski, and something theadvancedapes pointed out in his reply. I think people won't naturally make that shift until they really respect someone's opinion here, and that's where the friend comes in, although that might be a misnomer. Regardless, it's kind of a nebulous idea still, and I'm having a hard time putting it together.
Pleasure to be noticed:D I've certainly gotten the warmest of welcomes and absolutely love it here. But for the many who haven't had such an easy time, I've been thinking about what the hinderance could be.. As I just mentioned to Kafke, it is easy for outgoing people- who know (or think) their contribution will be appreciated- to jump right in and start talking, sharing, and really digging deep in the good stuff that seems to be key to Hubski. It isn't easy for careful, reserved folks to throw themselves out there and say "Look at me!" Even if what they're sharing isn't about them. Who knows how many priceless ideas and discussions we're missing because the person who thought of them shied away from posting. Who knows how many lurkers look at this friendly, awesome atmosphere of the same handful of people-minuscule compared to the innumerable commenters most are used to on places like reddit- and think, "holy shit, these guys all know each other and are best friends. I have no business here, I'll just listen to what they're taking about." It is to me much like sitting at the dinner table- or the bar- next to some intelligent or attractive people, and listening in because its not your place to really butt in. The only difference is- and this is what makes Hubski awesome- is that once you put yourself out there and do butt in, everyone gives you a big welcome and invites you into the discussion. I dont have a solution per se, just making an observation.
I know this might come out badly but...here it goes. That's kind of what makes amazing communities amazing. Other sites used to be like this. People would lurk forever, unsure if what they were saying wouldn't be up to par with the community standards. But when they finally joined in, it was usually about a subject or conversation that they really wanted to comment on. They spent a bit extra time perfecting this first comment. It usually started with "Long time lurker, first time poster" and off they went making a comprehensive and comprehendible comment on the subject. So, I'm not sure this insecurity is inherently a bad thing. Because if you are hesitant to join in it means that (1) this community is awesome and (2) you are self aware enough to realize that you want to add to this community, not detract from it and (3) that will fact alone increases your chances of being a great part of the community and (4) the community will remain awesome. The past problems we've had with influxes of new users result in massive amounts of #askhubski posts about reddit and general trolling and circlejerky behavior. I can guarentee these people did not have insecurities about whether or not their comments were up to par. That said, I never want Hubski to be too unwelcoming or exclusive. People shouldn't be deathly scared of joining us because we are all really nice people and really just want more amazing people to have discussions with. The more the merrier, IMO.Who knows how many lurkers look at this friendly, awesome atmosphere of the same handful of people-minuscule compared to the innumerable commenters most are used to on places like reddit- and think, "holy shit, these guys all know each other and are best friends. I have no business here, I'll just listen to what they're taking about."
You make some great points! Hope you stick around. I definitely catch myself "listening" to the conversations here. Everyone's just so damn interesting! Especially the #weeklymusicthread, and if you haven't found out about that yet, you need to immediately. Solutions weren't asked for so that's just fine! Only looking for opinions and ideas.
PeterC I don't think we should "assign buddies". IMO that sounds lame (just my opinion). However, if you want to become a part of the community, or feel more involved, you just need to reach out to people whose thoughts you enjoy. That's what the @@ symbols are for. Next time you read a post or see a comment you appreciate, let that person know. Friendships, conversations etc have to form organically. Everyone is friendly and I rarely see a conversation turn sour or someone get "shunned" or "excluded" on Hubski. After a while people will just recognize you and even expect to hear from you or anticipate your thoughts on a given topic.
Oh, I also think it sounds lame. I was just coming up with a title. As far as reaching out to people, that's different for everyone. Judging from uh_oh's comment on this, it seems that we share a type of reservation when approaching people. I realize that a lot of people don't feel the same way - like you. But I've been a user a fifth as long as you and uh_oh and other users less than that. Anyway, your comment was cool. I'll get over the hesitancy, but the point was for new users and not me.
True, I understand getting to know such a large community can be daunting. I also understand feeling a sort of hesitancy when it comes to contributing to a new online community. I never really felt comfortable contributing to reddit for similar reasons. It just felt too big and I felt like my voice would get drowned out. So I can relate in a way. But on Hubski, in my experience, when you reach out to someone - you'll get a response - and usually its an overwhelmingly friendly/interesting response.